Morris County boys soccer this week, Oct. 17

Matt Gallo (19) is one of four senior captains for 10th-seeded Mendham. He looks to lead his team past sixth-seeded Randolph in a Morris County Tournament semifinal Sunday. (Saeed Hindash/The Star-Ledger)

Boys soccer around the state

Senior defender Kevin Molnar was an easy pick to lead the Delbarton squad that is currently No. 3 in The Star-Ledger Top 20. The captain was unanimously chosen by his teammates and has not disappointed.

The center back is the keystone of a defense that has allowed a state-low three goals and shutout 12 of its 14 opponents.

"He wins every 50-50 ball, he's vocal as a leader and he's a warrior," Delbarton coach David Donovan said. "He's just a gamer and a great guy to have on your side."

For the second straight game, Molnar spearheaded a defense that did not allow a shot on goal.

His physicality, awareness and ability to win balls in the air are some of his most valuable traits on the field, but his leadership and intangibles are unparalleled, Donovan said.

"He's the kind of guy that can do anything we ask him to do," he added.

He'll be called upon to lead Delbarton's defense through its run of the Morris County Tournament and NJSIAA Non-Public A bracket.

TEAM TO WATCH

Mendham made the adjustments to compensate for the loss of its center midfielder, Stephen Matthews, who tore his MCL three days before the team took the field in the Morris County Tournament quarterfinals.

Gavin Coutts was shifted to center midfield and Sam Button stabilized the defense with a transition to center back to help 10th-seeded Mendham defeat 15th-seeded Madison on Sunday.

Before its semifinal match against sixth-seeded Randolph, coach Russ Raffay will make one more change -- putting James Petriello into the starting lineup.